Bridal showers are a special time to celebrate, honor, and show love for the bride-to-be. But have you ever wondered about the origins of bridal showers? How did the tradition of wedding shower gifts begin, and what are some unique gift ideas for a modern bridal shower?
The tradition of bridal showers dates back to 16th century Holland, where they served as an alternative to the dowry system. Friends and family would give small gifts to the bride-to-be to help her start her new life, especially if her family couldn’t afford a dowry. The term “shower” became popular in the United States during the Victorian era, when women would gather to celebrate, gossip, and “shower” the bride-to-be with small gifts placed in a paper parasol.
While the concept of dowries and paper parasols is now part of bridal shower history, the core idea of showering the bride with love and gifts before her big day remains strong.
Today, most people spend around $50-75 on bridal shower gifts, and it’s increasingly common to pool resources for a group gift. This approach allows friends and family to give the bride something more substantial, often selected from her wedding registry. Group gifting has several benefits, including the ability to give a higher-end gift that might be out of reach for an individual.
Unique Bridal Shower Gift Ideas
Throw Her a Bridal Shower as the Gift
Not all gifts have to be tangible. One memorable idea is for the bridesmaids to gift the bride the bridal shower itself. This involves choosing a theme approved by the bride, selecting a venue, sending out invitations, planning the menu, organizing games, and preparing bridal shower favors. Instead of buying items off her registry, consider the event itself as your gift. A group effort to host a bridal shower will create lasting memories that the bride will cherish far more than a kitchen gadget.
Host Her Bachelorette Party as a Group Gift
Another tradition that has evolved over time is the bachelorette party. Experiences often hold more value than physical items, making this another great opportunity to create lasting memories. Organize the last fling before the ring with a night out, tailored to the bride’s personality. Whether it’s bar hopping, a cooking class, wine tasting, or a beach day, planning the bachelorette party as a group gift is both thoughtful and practical. To add a personal touch, you could wrap her favorite bottle of bubbly with a note detailing the upcoming event.
Chip in for a High-End Registry Item
Wedding registries often include a range of items, some of which may have higher price tags. By teaming up with others, you can contribute to a more expensive item, such as a stand mixer, custom wine glasses, or a wine refrigerator. This way, the bride receives something she truly desires, without any single person having to overspend.
Let the Bride Choose Her Own Gift
Sometimes, organizing group gifts can be challenging, from coordinating contributions to selecting a gift that everyone agrees on. In such cases, the best gift might be one that the bride can choose herself. Platforms like GiftCrowd make group gifting simple and stress-free. The bride receives funds to spend at over 400 brands, including popular options like Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Celebrity Cruises, or Delta Airlines. This flexibility allows the bride to select exactly what she wants or needs.
By continuing the tradition of bridal showers with meaningful and thoughtful gifts, you help the bride start her married life on a positive note. Whether it’s a group experience, a high-end item from her registry, or the gift of choice, these ideas ensure your bridal shower gift will be truly appreciated.
